Blackburn have confirmed defender Christopher Samba has completed his move to Anzhi Makhachkala for an undisclosed fee.

The transfer window in Russia did not close until Friday and the Russian side, who recently appointed Guus Hiddink as their coach, have taken advantage to add Samba to their growing list of stars.

The 27-year-old made a transfer request in January but remained at Ewood Park after the winter window closed when a possible move to QPR or Tottenham failed to materialise.

Anzhi have made a number of notable signings of late, funded by billionaire owner Suleyman Kerimov.

Their squad already boasts Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o, Russia international Yuri Zhirkov and former Brazil defender Roberto Carlos, while they have also been linked with a number of other high-profile players.

Blackburn assistant manager Eric Black has backed the rest of the Rovers squad to cope without the towering defensive presence of Samba, starting on Saturday evening at Manchester City.

The Scot said: "He hasn't played for a few weeks and our performances have been exceptional.

"Obviously there was a blip at Arsenal, but again, you look at the performances against Newcastle, Fulham and QPR and the guys that have been in there have done exceptionally well."

Samba told Sky Sports News on Friday: "They have brought in Eto'o and Hiddink to transform the club.